All the Old Don’ts are Now Dos!

All the Old Don’ts are Now Dos!

1. When to do white…

NOW Do wear white year-round in seasonless fabrics like knits or denim. Chloë Sevigny could layer her look over black tights and a turtleneck.

Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images

2. …and what about black?

THEN Don’t wear it to a wedding.

NOW Do wear your LBD. Just consider the time and place of the festivities to get it right. Saturday night, big city: All black is a go, à la Kerry Washington. For day, lighten it up with touches of white, khaki or ivory.

Photo: Casey Rodgers/Wireimage.com

3. Can denim go anywhere?

THEN Don’t wear jeans to work.

NOW Do wear dark jeans if your office is not formal. Just keep them trouserlike, as Penélope Cruz does here,and pair them with tailored jackets and 9-to-5-right shoes or sandals.

Photo: Roger Wong/Infphoto.com

4. How to show some skin

THEN Don’t wear strapless to the job.

NOW Do wear pieces that feel dressier—love Eva Mendes’ dots!—as a layer under a blazer.

Photo: Francois Durand/Getty Images

5. The deal with shorts

THEN Don’t wear shorts anywhere but the beach.

NOW Do wear tailored shorts as a short-skirt alternative with a crisp jacket and ballet flats.

Photo: Mark Leibowitz

6. Finally, on dressy fabrics

THEN Don’t wear brocade, sparkles or lace for day.

NOW Do wear them in simple, classic shapes. Joy Bryant’s topper with jeans works great!